Customer Reviews

Luciano Pavarotti: O Holy Night

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"O Holy Night" was tenor Luciano Pavarotti's first platinum-selling album. It is a collection of traditional Christmas and Roman Catholic hymns, sung in Italian, French, Latin and the first version of "O Holy Night" in English. The thrilling power of Pavarotti's voice is most evident in the Schubert version of "Ave Maria," as well as "Agnus Dei" and "Sanctus, Sanctus." Instantly recognizable favorites include "O Holy Night," "Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)" and "Ave Maria." But the most stunning performance occurs in the Italian lullabye "Mille Cherubini in Coro." It is a great example of Pavarotti using the upper register of his voice to sweetly deliver a loving lullabye to children. A great CD for the holidays or all year long.

Originally recorded in 1976 and now available on a CD, this collection of sacred Christmas music by Luciano Pavarotti has to be one of the finest recordings of this sort ever made. This great tenor was at the height of his powers and his golden voice, instantly recognizable, puts chills on the listener's spine.

There is an abundance of riches here, each selection as good as the next one. I'm not sure I could pick out a favorite. "O Holy Night", Franck's "Panis Angelicus", "both the Schubert and Bach-Gounod "Ave Marias", "Sanctus" from the Berlioz REQUIEM, and the celestial "Agnus Dei" by Bizet and five others are all here. And what's better than Pavarotti singing heavenly music? Pavarotti and the Wandsworth Boys Choir singing heavenly music.

This one should go in the time capsule.

I truly mean that this is the best Christmas album ever. I am by no means a lover of opera but this christmas album by Pavoratti is truly breath-taking and unbelievable. His version of "Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)" is the most amazing rendition of any song ever. Hearing his incredible voice to that beautiful song is spectacular. "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)" is truly remarkable as well as are every other song on the album. Just take note that most of these songs are not sung in English. This guy might have the best voice this world has ever seen and anybody who loves christmas music will love this album every holiday season.

My brother and I searched for months to find a copy of this album. My father had owned the vinyl and played it at Christmas when we were children. Now that we are adults, we can recreate that same feeling of joy by playing this CD and listening to Pavarotti's amazing voice sing out with the angelic voices of the accompanying Boy's Choir.

This is a wonderful Christmas album. It is warm and full of heart, sacred in an honest way, free of so much silly sentiment that normally fills the season. You will find it touching and meaningful; the arrangements are beautiful and straightforward and the contrast of Pavarotti's grand voice with the Wandsworth Boys Choir is amazing; it actually will make you appreciate the season in a new way. I listen to this album each Christmas and always find something new to love on it. This album will bring to life the Christmas message in a way so seldom heard: simple, lovingly presented, and full of honest emotion.

I had the lp when it first came out and I practically wore it out. I fell in love with Panis Angelicus from this album, among others. I was very happy to get the cd when it came out and sometimes I play it even if it's not Christmas. His voice sound so wonderful on this recording, at his prime. (there was a tv special on PBS with the songs from this lp, back when PBS was worth watching).

Question: Should I get the new version with a few new songs added (although I only saw one new song. (I hate when record companies do this tempting the consumer to buy the same album twice.)

This is definitely an album for the ages and one that might tempt people unfamiliar with opera singers to possibly going to an opera.

Got this by accident...it was in a box of x-mas decorations I bought at a garage sale. As I was putting up the lights this year I popped it in the tape deck. I've never been a fan of Pavarotti or any of that '3 Tenors' stuff, so I was shocked how much I enjoyed this. Without a doubt, his is the most powerful rendition of 'OH Holy Night' I have ever heard. Ditto for Ave Maria.

Love it so much I ordered the CD

The music on this album contains some of the most beautiful sacred hymns ever written. When sung by the greatest tenor of our time, the combination results in perhaps the perfect Christmas album. I've listened to it for the more than 20 years since it was first released, and still find it fresh and uplifting. Another fascinating feature of the album is that it provides a timely comparison of voices between Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, whose new "Sacred Arias" album contains six hymns in common with "Holy Night". Both albums represent the singers voices at about the age of 40. Though I'm an avid Bocelli fan and believe his beautiful voice will benefit from improved technique in the future, I've listened to the common pieces in both albums and would have to say that Pavarotti sounds like the master and Bocelli the pupil. But I'm proud to have both albums in my collection!

My brother and I searched for months to find a copy of this album. My father had owned the vinyl and played it at Christmas when we were children. Now that we are adults, we can recreate that same feeling of joy by playing this CD and listening to Pavarotti's amazing voice sing out with the angelic voices of the accompanying boys' choir.

I own many Christmas CDs and try to listen to all at least once during the Christmas season. Over time, they become over familiar to me and I enjoy them less and less. However, this CD is an exception; I am never tired of listening to it. Pavarotti's exquisite singing defines the spirituality of the season and the addition of the Vienna Boys Choir just adds to the beauty of the music. However, I have one word of warning. After listening to Pavarotti sing such standards as "Ave Maria", "Panis angelicus", and "Adeste fidelis", you will think that all other performances, not matter how beautiful, are inferior. I cannot recommend a CD more highly.